NOV 29 1898 



PS 

o7 The National Anthem 

8^8 "THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER," 

FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, 



AND 

PATRIOTIC LINES. 




BY 

EDWIN HIGGINS. 




196^^5 



COPYRIGHT BY EDWIN HIGGINS, 

i8q8. 



•Uf'ii-ii eltUU^Cii* 




WILLIAMS & WILKINS CO. PRESS, 
BALTIMORE. 



Ut?T>-1 U 



FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, AUTHOR OF THE '' STAR-SPANGLED 

BANNERS 
[Born August 9, 1780. Died January 11, 1843.] 

A young man in the thirty-fifth year of his age, gave us our national 
song. His self-sacrificing devotion in the face of hardship and danger for 
ten days, to obtain the release of a friend held by the British in the War 
of 1812-15, gave him the opportunity to write the song; he really became 
a prisoner of war to secure the release of his friend. 

Francis Scott Key was born in the era of the Revolution, near Pipe 
Creek, Frederick County, Md. His father was General John Ross Key, a 
brave soldier, a friend of Washington and an influential citizen. Mr. Key 
entered St. John's College, Annapolis, Md., the first day it was opened, 
November n, i;89, was graduated in 1796, was one of the founders of the 
society of its alumni, February 22, 1827, and delivered an able address on 
"Education." He read law in Annapolis with Judge Jeremiah Townley 
Chase, a distinguished lawyer. He was admitted to practice in Frederick, 
his native county, but the Capital of the United States having been perma- 
nently located in the District of Columbia, he removed there in 1801, mar- 
ried a sister of Governor Lloyd of Maryland, became closely identified with 
the interests of the District, and was happily associated for more than forty 
years with the host of able men that gathered in Washington from all sec- 
tions of the Union and from foreign lands. Mr. Key soon won his way to 
the front rank in his profession and was retained in many cases in the 
Supreme Court of the United States; two of them are celebrated- The 
Captured Africans, and Myra Clark Gaines. Mr. Key was an intimate 
friend and adviser of President Jackson and served with marked ability as 
United States Attorney for the District during the administrations of Jack- 
son and Van Buren. He represented the United States on two memorable 
occasions requiring rare tact and ability, for as commissioner he effected 
the settlement of the troubles between the Indians and the State of Ala- 
bama, and he acted in a similar, and a successful, capacity in the celebrated 
nullification contest in South Carolina. 

Mr. Key was one of the founders of the American Colonization Society, 
to encourage the emigration of Afro-Americans, to Africa, out of which 
has grown the Republic of Liberia, and his devotion to this great work 
for more than twenty-five years, is replete with interest. 




Krch. 



FRANCIS SCOTT KEY 



Frederick, Md. 



The National Anthem 



''THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER." 
FRANCIS SCOTT KEY 

AND 
PATRIOTIC LINES. 




BY 

EDWIN HIGGINS. 



^ 6 



,^a 



OUR COUNTRY'S FLAG. \ 

O! see our country's flag is waving on high, 
Bathed in the glowing splendors of earth and sky. 

On each stripe, on every star, 

In time of peace, in time of war, 

In matchless fame its glories cling, 

While to all lips this song doth spring: 
O! see our country's flag is waving on high, 
Bathed in the glowing splendors of earth and sky. 

Its glist'ning stripes of white and red. 

Are mighty pinions o'er her dead. 

Its sleepless stars in field of blue 

Keep vigils o'er her brave and true. 
O! see our country's flag is waving on high, 
Bathed in the glowing splendors of earth and sky. 

Its stars increase in flight of time, 

Like empires sweep their course sviblime; 

Its stars and stripes and field of blue 

Blend in a union brave and true. 
O! see our country's flag is waving on high. 
Bathed in the glowing splendors of earth and sky. 

What standard glistens o'er the sea 
That strikes for those who would be free, 
In triumph waves o'er sceptr'd w^rong, 
Strikes for the weak against the strong? 

O, see! 'Tis our country's flag waving on high. 

Bathed in the glowing splendors of earth and sky. 

Then fling afar each ample fold 

O'er lands and seas, ye heroes bold; 

Bid incense from all altars rise 

To God who rules both men and skies. 
He speaks: Our country's flag is waving on high. 
Bathed in the glowing splendors of earth and sky. 

— EnWTN HiGGIXS. 



Francis Scott Key. 

The hand of the minstrel touches the strings, 
From the depths of his soul a song he sings 
That wins for himself an undying" name, 
Entwines new glory with " Old Glory's " fame. 

— Edwin Higgins. 



Writings by Edwin Higgins. 



Laws of Maryland of Interest to Women. 
Laws of Maryland Relating' to Intoxicating Liquors. 
Life and Times of Francis Scott Key (author of the "Star-Spangled 
Banner" , with Choice Selections from his Writings. — Soon to issue. 
Stories from Maryland History. — Soon to issue. 



BOOKLETS. 

The National Anthem, etc. 

Rustling- Glyndon Leaves, and other Songs. 

PATRIOTIC SONGS, 

Our Country's Flag. Music by Otto Kamberger. 
Independence Day. Music by Otto Kamberger. 



KEY MONUMENT, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. 
This beautiful monument was designed by W. W. Story. The bronze 
statue of Key, in the costume of the early part of the century, is eight feet 
in height, the figure of America with the flag is thirteen feet, and the entire 
structure is fifty-two feet in height. A special bequest of $60,000 by James 
Lick-whose munificent gift of $700,000 established and endowed the cele- 
brated Lick Observatory-provided the money for the erection of the monu- 
ment. Lick was eighteen years of age at the time of the successful defense 
of Baltimore, September, 1814, in which brave Pennsylvanians participated 
among whom was James Buchanan, subsequently President of the United 
States. Lick was for several years a young workman in a piano manufac- 
tory in this city. The National Anthem touched his young life of toil and 
struggle. When, in a ripe old age, away off on the Pacific slope, great 
wealth had -crowned his industry and sound business judgment, his admira- 
tion for the song and its author, blending with the love of country and 
humanity, found expression in this appropriate and magnificent memorial 
Photographs and sketches used by the sculptor were furnished by a citizen 
of Baltimore. The monument was dedicated July 4, 1888. 

FRANCIS SCO TT KEY MONUMENT, FREDERICK, MD 
Space will not permit a full description of this exquisite 'memorial to 
Key. The heroic statue in bronze of the Patriot-Poet rests upon a sub- 
stantial base and pedestal of granite. A group emblematic of patriotism 
presents an attractive subject for study. The seal of Maryland and the text 
of the song find appropriate places. Alexander Doyle was the sculptor It 
was built under the auspices of the Key Monument Association, and repre- 
sents the splendid result of years of patriotic devotion by the people of 
Key's native county and their associates. The State gave a liberal appro 
pnation, and contributions were received from many portions of the Union 
It was Key's request that his remains should rest "beneath the shadows of 
tHe everlasting hills." 

Flag Day and August 9, 1898, are memorable in the history of Freder- 
ick, the former for the placing of Key's remains in the crypt beneath the 
monument, the latter for the unveiling of the statue. Both were occasions 
marked by outpourings of the people and by every appropriate token of 
respect and aflfection for the memory of the man which Time has not 
dimmed, but has enriched with the increasing lustre of enduring glory. 

Here shall the brave, the pure, the fair, 

In love and reverence tread, 
And emulate the virtues rare 

Of the illustrious dead. 

—Edwin Higgins. 




KEY MONUMENT, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. 




AROUND MOUNT VERNON PLACE, BALTIMORE. 

I stood at the close of the day upon the portico of the Peabody Insti- 
tute. The deepening shadows were gathering about the Mount Vernon Place 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and it appeared to me an exquisite monument 
to the memory of Francis Scott Key, for it was upon its site he fell asleep 
January ii, 1843. In the square to the left stands the efifigy in bronze of 
Roger Brooke Taney, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He married 
Mr. Key's sister. To the east, George Peabody, the benefactor of two 
worlds, adorns the square. He was a member of the same rifle corps with 
Mr. Key in the War of 1812. The Institute stands upon the site of the old 
residence of John P. Kennedy, author and statesman. He gave the first 
place to the "Star-Spangled Banner" in his "Autograph Leaves of Ameri- 
can writers." I looked upon the monument to Washington, the first 
erected to his memory, and I recalled the fact that General John Ross Key, 
the father of Francis Scott Key, was a friend of Washington; that he 
marched to Boston arid participated in the organization of the Revolution- 
ary army; that Washington, when President, visited General Key's home 
and doubtless placed his hand in blessing upon the head of the boy whose 
song has thrilled the hearts of millions and inspired them with love of 
country. The site of the monument was a gift from General John Eager 
Howard, hero and benefactor, and one of his sons married the daughter of 
Francis Scott Key. —Edwin Higgins. 



[Unveiled at Frederick, Md., August 9, 1898.] 

The mountains, like God's sentries, stand 

O'er valleys at their feet. 
Send streams with music through the land. 

And peace and plenty meet. 

They lift their heads and kiss the skies, 

And draw their splendors down; 
They weave a pall of crimson dyes 

O'er a grave in Frederick town. 

The hand of Love a statue brings 

And rears it o'er Key's grave; 
With open lips it stands "and sings 

Of country and the brave. 

^Vith outstretched arms and kindling eye 
Majestic mien and grace, ' 

Benedictions from the answering sky 
Illume his glowing face. 

The clouds of war are swept away, 
^, The smouldering guns are still, 
McHenry's banner greets the day. 
Rapture his bosom fill. 

O, matchless flag, by fair hands wrought— 

Standard of Washington! 
Beneath thy folds our fathers fought. 

And our dear freedom won. 

Where'er you wave, on land and sea, 

Or through the ages sweep, 
i ou II bear the name of Francis Key, 

His blessed memory keep. 

Has twined about each glist'ning fold 

Valor's enduring story. 
And touched with love each patriot soul. 

And sang his country's glory. 

Here shall the brave, the pure, the fair, 

In love and reverence tread. 
And emulate the virtues rare 

Of the illustrious dead. 

They'll tune their voices to his song, 

'Twill stir the Nation's heart. 
Twill make the nation brave and strong- 
Key's fame shall ne'er depart. 

Now, sunlight lifts night's sable bars, 

Sleep, Patriot-Poet, sleep. 
The Flag, the mountains, and the stars. 

Their sleepless vigils keep. 
Baltimore, Md. Edwin Higgins. 



The State of Maryland appropriated $200,000 to encourage this emigra- 
tion. John McDonogh, the founder of the "McDonogh Sciiool," gave 
$100,000. Mr. Key manumitted his slaves. John Randolph and Mr. Key 
were warm friends; by his will he manumitted three hundred slaves and 
appointed Mr. Key one of his executors. 

Mr. Key did not confine his elTorts in behalf of this unfortunate race to 
his own country, but corresponded abroad with Wilberforce, Lord Ashbur- 
ton and other friends of emancipation and emigration. Radical in his con- 
victions on this subject which agitated the public mind, he was conciliatory 
in action and urged the peaceful solution of the grave problems which 
brought the society into existence. Time will vindicate the sagacity and 
wisdom of Bushrod Washington, James Madison, Charles Carroll of Car- 
rollton, Henry Clay, John H. B. Latrobe, Walter Jones, Francis Scott Key 
and their associates. Mr. Lincoln in his administration gave his emphatic 
approval to their plan. These distinguished men were, also, anxious for the 
redemption of Africa. 

Mr.Key was a gifted orator. His address in the rotunda of the Capitol, 
July 4, 1831, has the charm of beauty and power. To the grace of the 
orator he added the inspiration of the poet. Several of his songs and hymns 
have the exquisite diction and pathos that characterize the "Star-Spangled 
Banner." A volume of his poems has been published, but several of his 
sweetest, do not appear in the compilation. 

Mr. Key was a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal Church, de- 
voted to the Sunday School, a lay-reader and vestryman, a frequent dele- 
gate to diocesan and general conventions; a member of a committee to 
revise the Church hymns, with Bishops White and Hob^rt, Dr. Muhlen- (\y 
burg and others. When many efforts failed to elect a bishop in Maryland, 
Mr. Key introduced the resolutions which resulted in the prompt and practi- 
cally unanimous election of Bishop Stone. His name appears on the tablet 
in the Theological Seminary near Alexandria, Va., as one of its founders. 
He wrote the Latin inscription for the tomb of Bishop Claggett, the first 
Bishop of Maryland, and the first Bishop of the Episcopal Church conse- 
crated in America. He was deeply interested in the American Bible Society, 
American Tract Society, was president of the Lancaster Free School, George- 
town, and Register of Georgetown. He systematically gave away more than 
a tenth. On his death-bed, among his last requests, he said: "Remember, 
the money in the bag is for the poor." His heart and hand went out to 
every good cause. His home was a beautiful centre of culture and refine- 
ment. All loved him for his courtesy and bravery. 

The "Star-Spangled Banner" gives a graphic description of the bombard- 
ment of Fort McHenry, Baltimore, by the British, on September 12th and 13th, 
1814 ; its brave defense and the repulse and humiliation of the enemy. Mr. Key 



looked on during the day and night of the engagement with the keenest interest 
and anxiety, and when morning disclosed the flag still waving over the P'ort he 
gave expression to the patriotic impulses of heart in the national anthem. 

In the War of 1812-1815 he was a member of the same rifle corps with 
George Peabody; he served in Lower Maryland in defence of the capital 
and was an aide to General Smith at the battle of Bladensburg. His 
brother-in-law, Chief Justice Taney, has given the story of "The Star 
Spangled Banner." 

If Mr. Key had been a citizen of one of the States where the right of 
suffrage is vested in the people, he would have doubtless received the high- 
est public honors. 

The Supreme Court of the United States adjourned in respect to the 
memory of Mr. Key. Flags on the State House in Annapolis and on the 
shipping in Baltimore were placed at half-mast; societies passed resolution-s 
of respect, and the press gave expression of appreciation of his noble and 
useful life. 

Two beautiful monuments have been erected to him, one at San Fran- 
cisco, the other at Frederick, Md., and a third will be erected in Baltimore. 

Edwin Higgins. 



Patriotism is the preserving virtue of a republic. 



We must do what we ought and not what we like. 



We are in the rich possession of what valor has won and wisdom has 
preserved for us. 



Legislate not for the next election, but for the next century. 

— Francis Scott Key. 

♦ * * « 



THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER. 

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early Hght, 

What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming; 
Whose stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, 

O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? 
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, 
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there 
Oh, say, does the star-spangled banner yet wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? 

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep. 

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, 
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, 

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? 
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam. 
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream! 
'Tis the star-spangled banner: Oh, long may it wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore 

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion 
A home and a country should leave us no more? 

Their blood has washed out their foul foot-steps' pollution. 
No refuge could save the hireling and slave 
From the terror of flight and the gloom of the grave; 
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand 

Between their loved home and the war's desolation; 
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heaven-rescued land 

Praise the Pow'r that has made and preserved us a nation I 
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just. 
And this be our motto: "In God is our trustl" 
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 




Kreh. 



Frederick, Md. 



FRANCIS SCOTT KEY MONUMENT. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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016 117 827 5 • 



